Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has branded his marriage split and brain surgery the "toughest challenge" he has ever faced. The actor endured a miserable 2013, undergoing an operation in Mumbai, India to remove a blood clot in his head, and just five months later he announced his wife Sussanne Khan had left him after 13 years of marriage.
Now Roshan has spoken out about his year of hell, insisting he is stronger for the experience and dealt with his heartache by channelling his emotions into his new movie role as a lovestruck spy in Bang Bang.
He tells the Hindustan Times, "In a way (it was difficult)... But it has been very enlightening too. It has also been very easy because once you overcome the toughest challenge, the rest of the things become really simple. It has actually been quite simple and easy...
"(The film) was more challenging due to emotional reasons. But that is exactly where the mental strength comes in. This is the brightest film I have done. And I'm playing a happy character. I did all this at a time when my life was in deep contrast to that."

John Travolta wowed the crowd at the International Indian Film Academy Awards by putting on an impromptu performance with Indian superstar Priyanka Chopra. The Pulp Fiction star was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement in International Cinema prize at the glitzy bash in Tampa, Florida on Saturday (26Apr14), marking the first time the awards gala has been held in the U.S.
The prizegiving featured a spectacular performance by Chopra and during her routine, she pulled Travolta onto the stage to dance with her.
Travolta later picked up his prize from actor Hrithik Roshan, who joined the Hollywood icon in showing off moves from Saturday Night Fever, and the U.S. star told the crowd of his trophy, "I'm honoured. I'm humbled."
Other guests at the prizegiving included Kevin Spacey, who presented one of the night's awards, and was persuaded to don a sarong to dance to a song from the movie Chennai Express.
The big winner of the night was Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, a film about the life of Indian athlete Milkha Singh. The film won a clutch of awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Lead Actor for Farhan Akhtar.

Indian actor Hrithik Roshan has separated from his wife. The Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai star married Sussanne Khan in 2000, but the union ran into problems in 2010 when he was romantically linked to Mexican actress Barbara Mori.
The star confirmed the news of the split in a statement on Friday (13Dec13), which read: "Sussanne has decided to separate from me and end our 17 yr (year) relationship. This is a very trying time for the entire family and I request the media and the people to grant us our privacy at this time.
"I do not wish this news to disempower my fans and the people about the institution of marriage in any way. I am a firm believer in this institution and respect and honour it at the highest level."
Roshan and Khan have two young children, Hrehaan and Hridhaan.

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan has been released from hospital just four days after undergoing brain surgery. The actor developed a blood clot in his brain after hitting his head two months ago while shooting his latest movie Bang Bang, and he went under the knife to have it removed at Hinduja hospital in Mumbai, India on Sunday (07July13).
Roshan has been keeping fans up-to-date with his progress via his Facebook.com page, and on Thursday (11Jul13), doctors ruled he was well enough to leave the facility.
The star was accompanied by his filmmaker father Rakesh Roshan as he departed the hospital and told reporters he felt "fantastic".

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan is to undergo brain surgery after sustaining an injury on set while filming his latest movie Bang Bang. The actor was admitted to the Hunduja hospital in Mumbai, India on Sunday (07July13) to have an operation to remove a clot which developed after he hit his head while shooting the film, opposite Katrina Kaif, two months ago.
Roshan, 39, alerted fans to his impending surgery with a post on his Facebook.com page which reads, "We all know that we create a life of joy using the power of our mind. I've had the privilege of creating wonders with this amazing gift given to us called the brain.
"Occasionally one must look within and realise its value. It gives us the power to see, hear, touch, smell and taste, it allows us to conquer fear and create courage to do things we never imagined. Maybe it's time for me to feel the power literally.
"I am going to go through brain surgery today and want you to know that I am going in with absolute power to recover fast. My thanks to all of you for using the power of your mind to contribute to my life."
He later added, "Minor brain surgery to remove blood clot (chronic subdural haematoma). Should be rock n rolling by evening! U (you) guys have a great day too! Supersonic!!"